Hull FC vs Castleford Tigers squad news with major returnees for both sides

The head coaches of Hull FC and Castleford Tigers have confirmed their 21-man squads ahead of a clash at the MKM Stadium this weekend.

Hull FC have five returning players to the line-up after defeat to Wigan Warriors last time round. Ligi Sao and Denive Balmforth were both banned for a game but return for this one. Meanwhile, two big names return from injury, with Jack Walker and Danny Houghton back in the squad – with the latter set to make his 450th appearance for the club.

Sam Eseh, on loan from Wigan, was unavailable last week as the game was against his former club, but he’s back in the line-up for this one.

Dropping out are Matty Laidlaw, Lennon Bursell, Will Hutchinson and injured duo Jed Cartwright (head) and Ed Chamberlain (shoulder).

They still have eight other players out injured: Liam Sutcliffe, Davy Litten, Jake Trueman, Mitieli Vulikijapani, Nick Staveley, Charlie Severs, King Vuniyayawa and Will Kirby. Just five of their players with squad numbers 1-13 are included.

Meanwhile, for Castleford, there’s a welcome return to a 21-man squad for Cain Robb, with the young hooker back from injury.

Also coming in are Muizz Mustapha and George Lawler. Dropping out are Fletcher Rooney, Luis Johnson and Jacob Miller – the latter after some disappointing performances.

However, it seems that Jenson Windley will make his second start after a wonderful debut for the young man.

Hull FC 21-man squad

3 – Carlos Tuimavave

8 – Herman Ese’ese

9 – Danny Houghton

11 – Ligi Sao

13 – Brad Fash

15 – Jordan Lane

16 – Jack Ashworth

19 – Morgan Smith

21 – Will Gardiner

25 – Harvey Barron

26 – Lewis Martin

27 – Zach Jebson

28 – Denive Balmforth

31 – Jack Walker

37 – Logan Moy

40 – Jack Charles

44 – Tom Briscoe

45 – Yusuf Aydin

51 – Leon Ruan

52 – Sam Eseh

54 – Ryan Westerman

Castleford Tigers 21-man squad

1 Luke Hooley

5 Innes Senior

8 Liam Watts

9 Paul McShane

10 George Lawler

11 Elie El Zakhem

12 Alex Mellor

13 Joe Westerman

14 Liam Horne

16 Rowan Milnes

20 Muizz Mustapha

21 Sylvester Namo

23 Jason Qareqare

24 Cain Robb

25 Brad Martin

28 Will Tate

29 George Hill

32 Daniel Hindmarsh

34 Tex Hoy

35 Corey Hall

38 Jenson Windley